On-widget data control

ABSTRACT

A system and method are directed towards enabling control of widgets using on-widget data controls. A visitor may enter selective personal information and determine what information is made available on a social networking webpage. A visitor to a social networking website may select to not have their information displayed at a social networking website, while still being displayed at another social networking website. A visitor&#39;s information may be displayed within a reader roll, an association listing, a visitor comment page, or the like. An owner of a social networking website may also select not to have a visitor&#39;s information displayed on the website. In one embodiment, selecting not to display information may be performed by ‘mousing’ over the information and selecting a display option. Social networking websites may look to a centralized registration system to determine whether to display the visitor information.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Utility patent application that is a continuation-in-part of U.S.Utility patent application Ser. No. 11/694,741, filed on Mar. 30, 2007,the priority of which is hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. §120; andfurther, U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 11/694,741 is herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the control of displayed webdata and, more particularly, but not exclusively to both an owner and avisitor to selectively control a widget, in which one example includes adisplay of a widget to visitors to social networking websites.

Tremendous changes have been occurring in the Internet that influenceour everyday lives. For example, online social networks have become thenew meeting grounds. They have been called the new power lunch tablesand new golf courses for business life in the U.S. Moreover, many peopleare using such online social networks to reconnect themselves to theirfriends, their neighborhood, their community, and the world.

The development of such online social networks touch countless aspectsof our everyday lives, providing instant access to people of similarmindsets, and enabling us to form partnerships with more people in moreways than ever before. For example, an increasing number of people arecreating and/or visiting network blogs (or web logs). Briefly, a blog isa social networking website where a user may provide commentaries, news,graphics, videos, or the like, in a journal style. Such entries may beon virtually any subject, including food, politics, movies, movie stars,videos, music, gambling, shopping, politics, or even personal onlinediaries.

With users talking amongst each other on social networking sites, manymay wonder who is actually viewing these sites. Typically, while areader might see on the social networking site, such as a blog or othernetwork site, a counter of visits, unless the visitor registers with thenetwork site, others may not know much more about who is visiting asite. Moreover, such displays typically display who is currentlyvisiting a social networking site. However, owners of such sites havelittle control over who is shown on these displays, often resulting inundesirable associations.

Further, in these cases, visitors typically have to register at eachnetwork site that they visit, for unique information about the visitorto be captured. Unfortunately, visitors to various network sites mayelect not to register for each site that they visit for a variety ofreasons. For example, users may wish to remain anonymous while viewing aparticular, or all, sites. In another example, they may select not toregister to network sites that they may visit infrequently. Moreover, avisitor may fail to register at the network site or to completeregistration that they may start at a network site, due to what is oftentermed registration fatigue. Such registration fatigue may arise becausethe registration process is too complex, tedious, or demanding for thevisitor. However, not only does such registration fatigue affect theaccuracy of a network site's visitor statistics, popularity index, orthe like, but, such registration fatigue may result in missedopportunities offered by some of the network sites to the visitor.Therefore, it is with respect to these considerations and others thatthe present invention has been made.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention aredescribed with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings,like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the variousfigures unless otherwise specified.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will bemade to the following Detailed Description, which is to be read inassociation with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a system diagram of one embodiment of an environment in whichthe invention may be practiced;

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a network device useable for centralizedreader roll registration;

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of a network device useable as a contentservice device with a reader roll;

FIG. 4 illustrates a logical flow diagram generally showing oneembodiment of a process for centralized reader roll registration forsocial networking websites;

FIG. 5 illustrates a logical flow diagram generally showing oneembodiment of a process for a visitor to selectively display theirinformation on a social networking website;

FIG. 6 illustrates a logical flow diagram generally showing oneembodiment of a process for an owner of a social networking website toselectively display visitor information on the social networkingwebsite;

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of an example display of aselective display of visitor information in a reader roll, in accordancewith the present invention; and

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of widgets with data control forselective display, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, andwhich show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments by which theinvention may be practiced. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Amongother things, the present invention may be embodied as methods ordevices. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of anentirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or anembodiment combining software and hardware aspects. The followingdetailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take themeanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. The phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein doesnot necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may.Furthermore, the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does notnecessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, asdescribed below, various embodiments of the invention may be readilycombined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or”operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive andallows for being based on additional factors not described, unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout thespecification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

As used herein, the terms “social network” and “social community” referto a concept that an individual's personal network of friends, familycolleagues, coworkers, and the subsequent connections within thosenetworks, can be utilized to find more relevant connections for avariety of activities, including, but not limited to dating, jobnetworking, service referrals, content sharing, like-minded individuals,activity partners, or the like.

An online social network typically comprises a person's set of directand/or indirect personal relationships, including real and virtualprivileges and permissions that users may associate with these people.Direct personal relationships usually include relationships with peoplethe user can communicate with directly, including family members,friends, colleagues, coworkers, and other people with whom the personhas had some form of direct contact, such as contact in person, bytelephone, by email, by instant message, by letter, or the like. Thesedirect personal relationships are sometimes referred to as first-degreerelationships. First-degree relationships can have varying degrees ofcloseness, trust, and other characteristics.

Indirect personal relationships typically include relationships throughfirst-degree relationships to people with whom a person has not had someform of direct or limited direct contact, such as in being cc'd on ane-mail message, or the like. For example, a friend of a friendrepresents an indirect personal relationship. A more extended, indirectrelationship might be a friend of a friend of a friend. These indirectrelationships are sometimes characterized by a degree of separationbetween the people. For instance, a friend of a friend can becharacterized as two degrees of separation or a second-degreerelationship. Similarly, a friend of a friend of a friend can becharacterized as three degrees of separation or a third-degreerelationship.

The term “distributed networking sites” refers a plurality of networkingsites, or similar networking sites, that are configured and arranged toreceive visitor information distributed from a centralized data source.In a typical example, a plurality of websites may register to receivesuch visitor information. At least one of the plurality of networkingsites is managed distinct from another one of the plurality.

The term “widget” refers to any display element wherein information maybe displayed within a webpage. The widget can be generated by a script,tool, HTML command(s), application, or the like. The widget can beinstalled within any networking site and may be displayed within aframe, a window, a plug-in, or the like. A widget displays data elementsthat may include an avatar, text, another widget, or the like. Anavatar, often a user's representation of himself or herself, may includea picture, graphic, image, video, text or the like. In one embodiment,an avatar may also be a widget. The term “on-widget” refers to any dataor data control that is located within or over the widget displayelement, and is useable to selectively modify a display of at least aportion of the widget.

The following briefly describes the invention in order to provide abasic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This briefdescription is not intended as an extensive overview. It is not intendedto identify key or critical elements, or to delineate or otherwisenarrow the scope of the invention. Its purpose is merely to present someconcepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddescription that is presented later.

Briefly stated the present invention is directed towards enablingcontrol of widgets using on-widget data controls. An example of use ofsuch control includes a selective display of visitor information tosocial networking websites, such as a blog, or the like. A visitor orowner may choose to display or hide at least some of the visitorinformation displayed within a widget using the on-widget displaybutton. A visitor may enter, through a centralized registration system,selective personal information, including profile information such as aphotograph, name, alias, address or the like; contact information,including, for example, email address, phone numbers, IM addresses,mailing address, or the like; information about social networkingcommunities the visitor participates in; or the like. In one embodiment,the visitor may select what information is made available for display. Avisitor widget including visitor information may then be employed toprovide selective information about a visitor to the social networkingwebsite. Visitors include viewers of the social networking website thatmay have subscribed to and/or otherwise joined the site as a member,through the centralized registration system. In one embodiment,membership may result in additional benefits, receiving RSS feeds, orthe like. A visitor to a social networking website may select to nothave their information displayed at a social networking website, whilestill being displayed at another social networking website. In oneembodiment, selecting whether to display their information at one socialnetworking site or not to display their information at another socialnetworking site may be performed during registration, or at any latertime using an on-widget data control. In another embodiment, an owner ofa social networking website may select to not have a particularvisitor's information displayed on the owner's site. In one embodiment,selecting to not display information may be performed by ‘mousing’ overthe information within a widget (or within a defined number of pixelsdescribing a region around the widget) and selecting a display option.However, the invention is not limited to mousing over the information.For example, a cursor or mouse may be relocated over (or within)virtually any portion of the displayed widget and/or within a definedarea surrounding the widget. Moreover, virtually any user interfaceselection/entry input device may be employed to relocate a user inputsignal within the widget and/or defined surrounding region. For example,a user interface selection/entry input device may generate a signalbased on a mouse movement, a cursor movement, a touch screen input, astylus, or the like. Social networking websites may then look to thecentralized registration system to determine whether to display thevisitor information, while still being able to obtain information aboutthe visitor, and/or provide benefits to the visitor.

It should be noted however, that the invention is not constrained tomerely displaying selective information for a visitor within a readerroll. For example, in one embodiment, at least some of the centrallyregistered information may also be selectively displayed within aratings form, an array of avatars of visitors, a set of messages orvisitor comments, or the like. Moreover, it should be clear thatvirtually any information associated with a visitor may be selectivelydisplayed within a widget. Further, both the visitor and the owner maycontrol the selective display.

Illustrative Operating Environment

FIG. 1 shows components of one embodiment of an environment in which theinvention may be practiced. Not all the components may be required topractice the invention, and variations in the arrangement and type ofthe components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe invention. As shown, system 100 of FIG. 1 includes local areanetworks (“LANs”)/wide area networks (“WANs”)-(network) 105, wirelessnetwork 110, Centralized Registrar (CR) server 106, client devices101-103, and content servers 107-109.

Generally, client devices 101-103 may include virtually any computingdevice capable of connecting to another computing device to send andreceive information, including web requests for information from aserver, providing content, or the like. The set of such devices mayinclude devices that typically connect using a wired communicationsmedium such as personal computers, multiprocessor systems,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs,and the like. The set of such devices may also include devices thattypically connect using a wireless communications medium such as cellphones, smart phones, radio frequency (RF) devices, infrared (IR)devices, integrated devices combining one or more of the precedingdevices, or virtually any network device. Similarly, client devices101-103 may be any device that is capable of connecting using a wired orwireless communication medium such as a PDA, POCKET PC, wearablecomputer, and any other device that is equipped to communicate over awired and/or wireless communication medium.

Client devices 101-103 may include a client application that may beconfigured to provide information that identifies itself, including atype, capability, name, and the like. Client devices 101-103 mayidentify themselves through any of a variety of mechanisms, including aphone number, Mobile Identification Number (MIN), an electronic serialnumber (ESN), or a network address, such as an Internet Protocol (IP)address, or other network address identifier. In one embodiment, clientdevices 101-103 may be configured to provide such network addressidentifier in a message, or the like, sent over network 105 to anothercomputing device. In one embodiment, at least some information about theclient device may also be provided to another computing device, througha network cookie.

Client devices 101-103 may further include a client application that isconfigured to manage various actions. For example, client devices101-103 may include a web browser application that is configured toenable an end-user to interact with other devices and/or applicationsover network 105. For example, client devices 101-103 may enable use ofthe web browser to access content, web pages, or the like, from anothercomputing device, such as content servers 107-109, or the like. In oneembodiment, client devices 101-103 may receive a network cookie fromand/or provide the network cookie to content servers 106-109, and/or CRserver 106.

In addition, client devices 101-103 may employ a variety of other clientapplications to communicate with other devices over network 105,including, but not limited to Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP),Instant Messaging (IM), Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia MessageService (MMS), email, or the like. Thus, client devices 101-103 mayemploy a variety of mechanisms to establish network sessions withanother computing device.

Network 105 is configured to couple one computing device with anothercomputing device to enable them to communication information. Network105 is enabled to employ any form of computer readable media forcommunicating information from one electronic device to another. Also,network 105 can include the Internet in addition to local area networks(LANs), wide area networks (WANs), direct connections, such as through auniversal serial bus (USB) port, other forms of computer-readable media,or any combination thereof. On an interconnected set of LANs, includingthose based on differing architectures and protocols, a router acts as alink between LANs, enabling messages to be sent from one to another.Also, communication links within LANs typically include twisted wirepair or coaxial cable, while communication links between networks mayutilize analog telephone lines, full or fractional dedicated digitallines including T1, T2, T3, and T4, Integrated Services Digital Networks(ISDNs), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSLs), wireless links includingsatellite links, or other communications links known to those skilled inthe art. Furthermore, remote computers and other related electronicdevices could be remotely connected to either LANs or WANs via a modemand temporary telephone link. In essence, network 105 includes anycommunication method by which information may travel between onecomputing device and another computing device.

Wireless network 110 is configured to couple mobile device 103 and itscomponents with communication provided over network 105. Wirelessnetwork 110 may include any of a variety of wireless sub-networks thatmay further overlay stand-alone ad-hoc networks, and the like, toprovide an infrastructure-oriented connection for mobile device 103.Such sub-networks may include mesh networks, Wireless LAN (WLAN)networks, cellular networks, and the like.

Wireless network 110 may further employ a plurality of accesstechnologies including 2nd (2G), 3rd (3G), and 4^(th) (4G) generationradio access for cellular systems, WLAN, WiMax, Wireless Router (WR)mesh, and the like. Access technologies such as 2G, 3G, 3G, and futurewireless access networks may enable wide area coverage for mobiledevices, such as mobile device 103 with various degrees of mobility. Forexample, wireless network 110 may enable a radio connection through aradio network access such as Global System for Mobil communication(GSM), General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSMEnvironment (EDGE), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA),Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS), and the like. In essence,wireless network 110 may include virtually any wireless communicationmechanism by which information may travel between mobile device 103 andanother computing device, network, and the like.

Additionally, communication media typically embodies computer-readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in amodulated data signal such as a carrier wave, data signal, or othertransport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. Theterms “modulated data signal,” and “carrier-wave signal” includes asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information, instructions, data, and thelike, in the signal. By way of example, communication media includeswired media such as twisted pair, coaxial cable, fiber optics, waveguides, and other wired media and wireless media such as acoustic, RF,infrared, and other wireless media.

One embodiment of a network device configured to operate as adistributed content server is described in more detail below inconjunction with FIG. 3. Briefly, however, content servers 107-109, maybe configured to operate as website servers. However, content servers107-109 are not limited to web servers, and may also operate a messagingserver, a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server, a database server,content server, and the like. Additionally, each of content servers107-109 may be configured to perform a different operation. Thus, forexample, content server 107 may be configured as a blog website, whilecontent server 108 may be configured as music or video download server.Moreover, while content servers 107-109 may operate as other than awebsite, they may still be enabled to receive an HTTP communication. Inone embodiment, content servers 107-109 may each operate a blog site, orother social networking website. In any event, content servers 107-109collectively represent one embodiment of a distributed content source,in that content, such as social networking content, may be distributedacross a plurality of different servers.

In one embodiment, content servers 107-109 may be configured to providevisitor information using, for example, a reader roll. A reader roll maybe a widget comprising a set of widgets. The set of widgets may beassociated with visitors, thereby providing visitor information within aroll of “readers” or visitors. However, content servers 107-109 may alsoobtain and display visitor information using any of a variety of otherformats, structures, or the like. For example, visitor information mayalso be provided for an associated visitor listing page, within a set ofvisitor comments, or the like. In any event, in one embodiment, thereader roll may be arranged to selectively display information aboutrecent visitors to the content server. The reader roll may displayinformation about a visitor that is not currently accessing the contentserver, in one embodiment. However, the reader roll may also displayinformation about a current visitor to the content server. The readerroll may be configured to display virtually any number of recentvisitors. However, in one embodiment, a visitor may select to not havetheir information displayed in a reader roll, or other mechanism, forone content server, while having their information displayed in a readerroll, or another mechanism, for another content server. In anotherembodiment, an owner may selectively display the reader roll. Forexample, an owner may choose to not display the reader roll within theirsocial networking site. One embodiment of an example reader roll isdescribed in more detail below in conjunction with FIG. 6.

In one embodiment, content servers 107-109 may be configured to displaya screen, menu, link, or the like, to enable a visitor to centrallyregister. In one embodiment, when a visitor selects to centrallyregister, content servers 107-109 might redirect the visitor to CRserver 106. Once centrally registered, each content server thatsubscribes to CR server 106's services may access and selectivelydisplay visitor information. One embodiment of a process for selectivelydisplaying visitor information is described in more detail below inconjunction with FIGS. 5-6. For example, in one embodiment, informationwithin a reader roll may be selectively displayed, commentaries may beselectively displayed, avatars, photographs, favorite links, or thelike, may also be selectively displayed using any of a variety offormats, structures, or the like, including but not limited to lists,tables, frames, or the like.

Devices that may operate as content servers 107-109 include personalcomputers desktop computers, multiprocessor systems,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs,servers, and the like.

One embodiment of CR server 106 is described in more detail below inconjunction with FIG. 2. Briefly, however, CR server 106 may include anycomputing device capable of connecting to network 105 to enable avisitor to a social network website, or virtually any other website, tocentrally register for display and/or use of their information at thewebsite. In one embodiment, the website may hosted by content servers107-109. In one embodiment, the website may employ the visitorinformation to provide a benefit to the visitor, including, for example,a discount, access to selected additional information, coupons, videos,or the like. In one embodiment, the content servers 107-109 may furtheremploy the visitor information to track the visitor's access ofinformation, and to display whether the visitor is a recent visitor(reader) of the website, or even another website.

CR server 106 may enable registration by a visitor, and manage acentralized data store for use by content servers 107-109, or otherdistributed social content sources. In one embodiment, CR server 106 mayprovide a menu interface, a forms interface, window, or the like, toenable a visitor to enter personal information, including, but notlimited to profile information such as a photograph, name, alias,address or the like; contact information, including, for example, emailaddress, phone numbers, IM addresses, mailing address, or the like;information about social networking communities the visitor participatesin; or the like. The invention is not limited to this information, andother information may also be provided, without departing from the scopeof the invention. For example, in one embodiment, the visitor may selectwhich social network sites, or the like, the visitor does/does not wanttheir information to be displayed within a widget. In one embodiment, aregistered visitor and social network site owner may receive a uniqueidentifier that is useable at content servers 107-109. In oneembodiment, the unique identifier may be provided within a cookie.However, the unique identifier may also be provided using any of avariety of other mechanisms. In one embodiment, the unique identifiermay be created based on a timestamp, or the like. In one embodiment, theunique identifier may be encrypted.

When a registered visitor or owner visits one of content servers107-109, the visitor or owner may provide the unique identifier to thevisited content server. The visited content server may then provide theunique identifier to CR server 106. CR server 106 may perform a searchusing the unique identifier. If a match is found, CR server 106 mayprovide information about the visitor or owner to the visited contentserver, where the visited content server may selectively display atleast some of the information about the visitor, and/or employ theinformation for any of variety of other usages. One embodiment of aprocess useable for central registration is described in more detailbelow in conjunction with FIG. 4.

Devices that may operate as CR server 106 include personal computersdesktop computers, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, network PCs, servers, and the like.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates CR server 106 as a single computing device,the invention is not so limited. For example, one or more functions ofCR server 106 may be distributed across one or more distinct computingdevices.

Illustrative Centralized Registrar Environment

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a network device, according to oneembodiment of the invention. Network device 200 may include many morecomponents than those shown. The components shown, however, aresufficient to disclose an illustrative embodiment for practicing theinvention. Network device 200 may represent, for example, CR server 106of FIG. 1.

Network device 200 includes processing unit 212, video display adapter214, and a mass memory, all in communication with each other via bus222. The mass memory generally includes RAM 216, ROM 232, and one ormore permanent mass storage devices, such as hard disk drive 228, tapedrive, optical drive, and/or floppy disk drive. The mass memory storesoperating system 220 for controlling the operation of network device200. Any general-purpose operating system may be employed. Basicinput/output system (“BIOS”) 218 is also provided for controlling thelow-level operation of network device 200. As illustrated in FIG. 2,network device 200 also can communicate with the Internet, or some othercommunications network, via network interface unit 210, which isconstructed for use with various communication protocols including theTCP/IP protocol. Network interface unit 210 is sometimes known as atransceiver, transceiving device, or network interface card (NIC).

The mass memory as described above illustrates another type ofcomputer-readable media, namely computer storage media. Computer storagemedia may include volatile, nonvolatile, removable, and non-removablemedia implemented in any method or technology for storage ofinformation, such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, or other data. Examples of computer storage mediainclude RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information and which can be accessed by a computing device.

The mass memory also stores program code and data. One or moreapplications 250 are loaded into mass memory and run on operating system220. Examples of application programs may include transcoders,schedulers, calendars, database programs, word processing programs, HTTPprograms, customizable user interface programs, IPSec applications,encryption programs, security programs, VPN programs, SMS messageservers, IM message servers, email servers, account management, webservers, and so forth. Mass memory also includes centralized reader (CR)data store 252. Applications 250 also include Centralized ReaderRegistrar (CRR) 256.

CR data store 252 is configured and arranged to receive and managecentralized reader registrations for use by any of a variety ofdistributed content servers, or the like, that request access toregistered visitor information. CR data store 252 may include any of avariety of information related with the registered visitor information,including, but not limited to an alias, a name, a birth date, a gender,an address, an avatar, or other photograph, an email address, a phonenumber, various other account addresses including but not limited to IM,ICQ accounts, or the like. CR data store 252 may also includeinformation about user names associated with the visitor for varioussocial networking communities, or the like. CR data store 252 mayfurther include information about visitor preferences, including whichsocial networking sites the visitor has selected not to have theirinformation displayed, or the like. CR data store 252 may be implementedas a data base, a folder, a script, a program, or the like. Moreover, CRdata store 252 may also be configured and arranged to reside within harddisk drive 228, cd-rom/dvd-rom drive 226, a removable storage device, orany of a variety of other storage mediums.

CRR 256 is configured and arranged to manage centralized registrationsfor visitors to various content servers, such as content servers 107-109of FIG. 1. CRR 256 may receive a request for registration from a visitorof a content server. In one embodiment, the content server may redirectthe visitor to CRR 256 to perform centralized registration. CRR 256 mayprovide a user interface that may include forms, menus, selectableicons, links, or the like, configured to receive visitor registrationinformation. In one embodiment, the visitor may provide photographs,links, or the like, as part of the registration process. In oneembodiment, the visitor need not provide a complete set of registrationinformation, and a minimum set of information might be provided.Moreover, the visitor may also modify information provided during aninitial centralized registration, or even at a subsequent time. Thevisitor may also un-register from the centralized registration system ofCRR 256.

When a visitor has initially registered, CRR 256 may provide the visitorwith a unique identifier, useable for enabling selective display of atleast some of the visitor's information. In one embodiment, the uniqueidentifier is a sequence of digits that may include, at least in part, atimestamp. However, the unique identifier is not constrained toincluding timestamps, and virtually any other data may be employed togenerate the unique identifier, including but not limited to at leastsome of the information provided by the visitor during registration, ora combination of such information. In one embodiment, the uniqueidentifier is encrypted. In one embodiment, the unique identifier may beprovided to the visitor in a network cookie. However, the invention isnot so limited, and the unique identifier may be provided using any of avariety of other mechanisms.

CRR 256 may be further configured to receive the unique identifier froma content server. CRR 256 may perform a search with CR data store 252for a match on the unique identifier. If a match is found, CRR 256 maythen provide the content server with the registered visitor information.In one embodiment, CRR 256 may also provide an indicator identifyingwhether the visitor has requested that their information not bedisplayed by the requesting content server. CRR 256 may, in oneembodiment, employ a process such as described below in conjunction withFIG. 4 to perform at least some of its actions.

Illustrative Content Server Environment

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of a network device, according to oneembodiment of the invention. Network device 300 may include many morecomponents than those shown. The components shown, however, aresufficient to disclose an illustrative embodiment for practicing theinvention. Network device 300 may represent, for example, one of contentservers 107-109 of FIG. 1.

Network device 300 includes processing unit 312, video display adapter314, and a mass memory, all in communication with each other via bus322. The mass memory generally includes RAM 316, ROM 332, and one ormore permanent mass storage devices, such as hard disk drive 328, tapedrive, optical drive, and/or floppy disk drive. The mass memory storesoperating system 320 for controlling the operation of network device300. Any general-purpose operating system may be employed. Basicinput/output system (“BIOS”) 318 is also provided for controlling thelow-level operation of network device 300. As illustrated in FIG. 3,network device 300 also can communicate with the Internet, or some othercommunications network, via network interface unit 310, which isconstructed for use with various communication protocols including theTCP/IP protocol. Network interface unit 310 is sometimes known as atransceiver, transceiving device, or network interface card (NIC).

The mass memory as described above illustrates another type ofcomputer-readable media, namely computer storage media. Computer storagemedia may include volatile, nonvolatile, removable, and non-removablemedia implemented in any method or technology for storage ofinformation, such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, or other data. Examples of computer storage mediainclude RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information and which can be accessed by a computing device.

The mass memory also stores program code and data. One or moreapplications 350 are loaded into mass memory and run on operating system320. Examples of application programs may include transcoders,schedulers, calendars, database programs, word processing programs, HTTPprograms, customizable user interface programs, IPSec applications,encryption programs, security programs, VPN programs, SMS messageservers, IM message servers, email servers, account management and soforth. Mass memory also includes Site Reader data store 352.Applications 350 may include Content Services 356, Site Reader Manager(SRM) 354. Site Reader data store 352 is configured to receive andmanage a recent visitor's information for display within a reader roll.In one embodiment, the recent visitor information may be configured todisplay visitor information in a chronological order. Thus, in oneembodiment, the reader roll may display at least one current visitor'sinformation. One embodiment of an example of a reader roll is describedin more detail below in conjunction with FIG. 6. In any event, sitereader data store 352, may include selected information about thecurrent visitors, including an avatar, photograph, a link, an alias, orthe like. In one embodiment, site reader data store 352 may include aunique identifier associated with the recent visitors, useable to accessadditional information from another data store. In still anotherembodiment, site reader data store 352 may include a timestampindicating when a visitor visited network device 300. Site reader datastore 352 may also include other information about a visitor, includinga frequency of visits, whether the visitor is to receive a benefit forvisiting network device 300, or any other privileges, or the like. Sitereader data store 352 may be implemented as a data base, a folder, ascript, a program, or the like. Moreover, site reader data store 352 mayalso be configured and arranged to reside within hard disk drive 328,cd-rom/dvd-rom drive 326, a removable storage device, or any of avariety of other storage mediums.

Content services 356 may represent any of a variety of applications,scripts, applets, webpages, or the like, configured to provide contentto a visitor. As such, in one embodiment, content services 356 mayrepresent a web server that is configured to provide webpages, forms,scripts, or the like, for viewing by a visitor. In one embodiment,content services 356 may provide a weblog (blog) service to the visitor.In one embodiment, content services 356 may be configured to enable thevisitor to provide inputs, comments, messages, or the like, to othervisitors on network device 300. Content services 356 is not limited toblogs, however, and virtually any social networking service may beprovided, including a photo service, a music service, a video service, amessaging service, a dating service, or the like. Moreover, contentservices 356 may also include a shopping service, or the like.

SRM 354 is configured and arranged to receive from a visitor of contentservices 356 a unique identifier, and to employ the unique identifier toselectively display visitor information within a reader roll, such asdescribed below in conjunction with FIG. 6. However, SRM 354 is notconstrained to employing a reader roll, and virtually any othermechanism may be employed to selectively display visitor information,including, but not limited to avatar displays, favorite hyperlinks,comments, or the like. Therefore, the use of a reader roll should not beconstrued as a limitation to the invention and is merely one embodimentof an example mechanism for selectively displaying visitor information.

SRM 354 may employ the unique identifier to search a data store, or torequest another application or the like, to search the data store for amatch. In one embodiment, SRM 354 may also be configured to enable adisplay of a link, or the like, that enables a visitor sans a uniqueidentifier to centrally register and obtain a unique identifier.

SRM 354 may also obtain a list of recent visitors from site reader datastore 352 and selectively display the information within a webpageprovided by content services 356. In one embodiment, the recent visitorinformation may be displayed in chronological order. In one embodiment,the recent visitor information may be truncated after a defined numberof recent visitors, displayable visitors, or the like. SRM 354 mayemploy, at least in part, a process such as described below inconjunction with FIGS. 5-6 to perform at least some of its actions.

Generalized Operation

The operation of certain aspects of the invention will now be describedwith respect to FIGS. 4-6. FIG. 4 illustrates a logical flow diagramgenerally showing one embodiment of a process for centralized readerregistration for distributed social networking websites. Process 400 ofFIG. 4 may, for example, be implemented in part within CR server 106 ofFIG. 1, while at least some of process 400 may be implemented withcontent services 107-109 of FIG. 1.

Process 400 may begin, after a start block, at decision block 402 wherea determination is made whether a visitor requests to be centrallyregistered. Such request may be performed by a visitor to a contentserver site, selecting registration. In one embodiment, a link or thelike may be displayed on the content server site that the visitor mayselect for central registration. In another embodiment, the visitor mayselect another link that enables the visitor to modify theirregistration information. Thus, if the visitor is to be registered,processing flows to block 404; otherwise, processing branches todecision block 414.

At block 404, the requester may be redirected to the centralizedregistrar, wherein in one embodiment, a webpage, including a formscreen, may be displayed for use in central registration. Processingcontinues next to block 406, where the visitor may employ the form,selectable icons, webpage, or the like, to provide selected visitorinformation, such as described above. In one embodiment, the visitor mayidentify which content services, websites, or the like, may display atleast some of the visitor's information, while another content service,website, or the like, may be identified to not display at least some ofthe visitor's information. However, the invention is not so limited. Forexample, the visitor may provide at a later time such informationregarding whether a site may or may not display their visitorinformation. In another embodiment, a visitor may register contentservices, websites, blogs, or the like owned by the visitor. Registeringthe content service, website, blog, or the like allows the centralizedregistrar to store and display information about registered visitorswithin the registered content service, website, blog, or the like.

Moreover, in one embodiment, the visitor information may includeselection of a preference, such as whether to be automaticallyregistered as a member to a content service based on a variety offactors, including, but not limited to a number of visits to the contentservice, and number of web pages viewed within the content service, orthe like. In one embodiment, the visitor may select not to beautomatically registered.

In any event, such visitor information may be received and displayed forthe visitor to review. The visitor information may be displayed within aweb browser on the visitor's client device.

Processing continues to block 408, where, in one embodiment, a uniquecentralized identifier may be provided to the visitor. In oneembodiment, block 408 may be performed after block 412. In oneembodiment, the unique identifier may be based on a timestamp. In oneembodiment, the unique identifier may be a digital value ranging inlength from 8-30 bytes. However, the invention is not so constrained,and the unique identifier may also be shorter, or longer, withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

In one embodiment, the unique identifier may be provided to the visitorover a network using a network cookie. However, the unique identifiermay also be provided using any of a variety of other mechanisms. Forexample, the unique identifier may be provided using a message packet, aget/post mechanism, a JavaScript, applet, or the like, without departingfrom the scope of the invention.

Processing continues next to decision block 410, where a determinationis made whether the visitor selects to modify any of their visitorinformation. If not, processing continues to block 412; otherwise,processing branches to block 418, where any modifications to the visitorinformation may be received and displayed for further review by thevisitor. It should be noted that the visitor may provide someinformation, modify other information, and add new information, inalmost any sequence, without departing from the scope of the invention.Thus, although process 400 illustrates one sequence of events, the othersequences or out of sequences actions may also be performed. In anyevent, as illustrated, upon completion of block 418, the process mayloop back to decision block 410.

At block 412 the visitor information may then be provided, in oneembodiment, to the centralized data store. However, in anotherembodiment, block 412 may be performed concurrent with receiving visitorinformation from the visitor. Processing, in any event, may then returnto a calling process to perform other actions.

Back at decision block 414, however, a determination is made whether thevisitor is currently registered. This may be determined, in oneembodiment, based on whether the visitor has provided a valid uniqueidentifier. If the visitor is registered, processing flows to block 416,where the visitor may be redirected to the centralized registrar, wherethe visitor's information may be displayed and made available formodifying. Thus, in one embodiment, upon completion of block 416,processing flows next to decision block 410. However, if the visitor isnot currently registered, processing may return to a calling process toperform other actions. For example, in one embodiment, the visitor maybe redirected to a centralized registrar to enable registration. Inanother embodiment, the visitor may be returned to a display of contentfrom the redirecting content server, or the like.

FIG. 5 illustrates a logical flow diagram generally showing oneembodiment of a process for a visitor to selectively display visitorinformation for distributed networking websites. By centrallyregistering, each networking website may be enabled to receive thevisitor information distributed outwards to it. Process 500 of FIG. 5,may be implemented, at least in part, in content services 107-109 ofFIG. 1.

In one embodiment, a script, applet, program, or the like, may executeon a content service monitoring for a request for content by a visitor.Thus, in one embodiment, process 500 may begin, after a start block, atdecision block 502, where a determination is made whether there is avisitor (a request by a client device to serve a web page to the clientdevice). If so, processing flows to decision block 504; otherwise,processing loops back to continue to monitor for a visitor.

At decision block 504, a determination is made whether the visitorprovides a unique identifier associated with centralized registration.If so, processing flows to block 506; otherwise, processing may flow toblock 516, wherein in one embodiment, the visitor might be redirected—oroffered an option to be redirected—to centrally register. In oneembodiment, block 516 may be performed by process 400 of FIG. 4.

At block 506, a centralized reader data store may be searched using theunique identifier. Processing continues to decision block 508, where adetermination is made whether a match is found within the data store. Ifnot, processing may return to a calling process; otherwise, processingmay flow to block 510.

At block 510, registered information about the visitor may be providedto the content services, including, for example, whether the visitorinformation is to be displayed for this content service. Then, based onwhether the visitor information is to be displayed, selective visitorinformation might be displayed for the visitor. In addition, otherrecent visitors to the content services site may also be displayed. Inone embodiment, the display might be similar to that which is describedbelow. That is, in one embodiment, the visitor information might beselectively displayed within a reader roll. In another embodiment, thereader roll widget itself may be selectively displayed. However, otherforms, formats, or the like, may also be employed. Thus, the inventionis not constrained to reader rolls.

In another embodiment, for example, the site may include a listing ofall visitors associated with the particular community. An avatarrepresenting a visitor may be included within a widget or operate as awidget itself. This avatar widget may be selectively displayed withinthis public listing. Selective display may also be used for visitorcomments included within a widget, or the like. Any data that may bedisplayed within a widget may be selectively displayed.

Processing continues next to decision block 512, where the visitor maybe provided with a mechanism for selecting to modify their visitorinformation, including whether the visitor information is to bedisplayed, partially displayed, not displayed, or the like. In oneembodiment, moving a mouse over the visitor's currently displayedinformation within the display of visitors may enable the visitor toselect to modify their visitor information. If the visitor selects tomodify their information, processing may flow to block 518; otherwise,processing may flow to block 514.

At block 518, the visitor may select to modify their information,display of their information, or the like. In one embodiment, a visitormay only modify their own information. In one embodiment, selection notto display currently displayed information, might be performed withoutredirecting the visitor to another webpage. For example, the visitormight be presented with a pop-up, pull-down menu, or the like, such asdescribed below in conjunction with FIG. 8. In another embodiment,however, the visitor might select to modify an avatar, an alias, acomment, or the like. In which instance, the visitor might be redirectedto a process similar to process 400 of FIG. 4. Process 500 then loopsback to block 510.

At block 514, a reader data store may then be updated to indicate thatthe current visitor is a recent visitor to the content service. In oneembodiment, the updated data store may be a local data store to thecontent service. In another embodiment, the updated data store may bethe centralized data store. Moreover, the update may include an updateusing the unique identifier, and may include a timestamp for when thevisit is detected, an update to frequency information or the like. Inone embodiment, information within the recent reader roll, data store,or the like, may be used to determine whether to, and/or provide abenefit to the visitor, including, providing access to additionalcontent, services, or the like. Process 500 then returns to a callingprocess to perform other actions.

FIG. 6 illustrates a logical flow diagram generally showing oneembodiment of a process for an owner to selectively display visitorinformation for distributed networking websites. By centrallyregistering, each networking website may be enabled to receive thevisitor information distributed outwards to it. Process 600 of FIG. 6,may be implemented, at least in part, in content services 107-109 ofFIG. 1.

In one embodiment, process 600 may begin, after a start block, at block602, where registered information about the visitor to the socialnetworking site may be provided to the content services, including, forexample, whether the visitor information is to be displayed for thiscontent service within a visitor widget. Then, based on whether thevisitor information is to be displayed, selective visitor informationmight be displayed within an owner's social networking site. Inaddition, other recent visitors to the content services site may also bedisplayed. In one embodiment, the display might be similar to that whichis described below. That is, in one embodiment, the visitor informationmight be selectively displayed within another widget, including, but notlimited to, a reader roll widget. In another embodiment, the reader rollwidget itself may be selectively displayed. However, other forms,formats, or the like, may also be employed. Thus, the invention is notconstrained to reader rolls. For example, visitor information may bedisplayed within a membership list, a feedback list, a comment section,or the like.

In another embodiment, for example, the site may include a listing ofall visitors associated with the particular community. An avatarrepresenting a visitor may be included within a widget. The avatarwidget may be selectively displayed within this public listing.Selective display may also be used for visitor comments included withina widget, or the like. Any data that may be displayed within a widgetmay be selectively displayed.

Processing continues next to decision block 604, where the owner may beprovided with a mechanism for selecting to modify the visitorinformation, including whether the visitor information is to bedisplayed, not displayed, partially displayed, or the like. In oneembodiment, moving a mouse over the visitor's currently displayedinformation within the display of visitors may enable the owner toselect to modify the visitor information. If the owner selects to modifythe information, processing may flow to block 606; otherwise, processingmay return to a calling process to perform other actions.

At block 606, the owner may select to modify the information, display ofthe information, or the like. In another embodiment, an owner may modifythe information of any visitor information on the owner's site. In oneembodiment, selection not to display currently displayed information,might be performed without redirecting the owner to another webpage. Inanother embodiment, however, the owner might select to modify an avatar,an alias, or the like.

Processing next flows to block 608, where a data store may then beupdated to indicate that the owner has modified a visitor's information.A unique identifier associated with the visitor's information and aunique identifier associated the owner may be employed to update thedata store. The unique identifier associated with the visitor'sinformation may be stored within or otherwise associated with thevisitor's widget. In one embodiment, the updated data store may be alocal data store to the content service. In another embodiment, theupdated data store may be the centralized data store. Moreover, theupdate may include a timestamp for when the update is detected, or thelike. In one embodiment, information within the recent reader roll, datastore, or the like, may be used to determine whether to provide abenefit to the owner, including, providing access to additional content,services, or the like. Process 600 then loops back to block 602.

It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the flowchart illustration, can be implementedby computer program instructions. These program instructions may beprovided to a processor to produce a machine, such that theinstructions, which execute on the processor, create means forimplementing the actions specified in the flowchart block or blocks. Thecomputer program instructions may be executed by a processor to cause aseries of operational steps to be performed by the processor to producea computer implemented process such that the instructions, which executeon the processor to provide steps for implementing the actions specifiedin the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions mayalso cause at least some of the operational steps shown in the blocks ofthe flowchart to be performed in parallel. Moreover, some of the stepsmay also be performed across more than one processor, such as mightarise in a multi-processor computer system. In addition, one or moreblocks or combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustration may alsobe performed concurrently with other blocks or combinations of blocks,or even in a different sequence than illustrated without departing fromthe scope or spirit of the invention.

Accordingly, blocks of the flowchart illustration support combinationsof means for performing the specified actions, combinations of steps forperforming the specified actions and program instruction means forperforming the specified actions. It will also be understood that eachblock of the flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purposehardware-based systems which perform the specified actions or steps, orcombinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Illustrative Reader Roll

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of an example display of aselective display of visitor information in a reader roll. Oneembodiment of display 700 may be provided to a visitor through a webpagedisplayable from such as content services 107-109, or the like, orFIG. 1. It should be noted that display 700 is merely one example of apossible display of visitor information, and is not intended to limitthe invention. Thus, other formats, structures, and the like, may beemployed to selectively display visitor information within a visitorwidget, without departing from the scope of the invention. For example,selective display of visitor information may also be used for anassociated visitor listing page, within a set of visitor comments, orthe like.

As shown in FIG. 7, display 700 may represent a content service site'swebpage. For example, in one embodiment, display 700 may represent ablog site, a dating service site, music site, photo and/or video site,or similar social networking site. As such, display 700 may includecontent 701. Display 700 may also be configured and arranged to displayreader roll 702.

Reader roll 702 may include one or more visitor widgets 720-724, each ofwhich may include visitor information. For example, as shown, visitorwidgets 720-724 may include an avatar 724 or similar photograph, and analias 708. However, visitor widgets 720-724 may also include othervisitor information, including, for example, a link to a webpage, aname, a link to a multimedia, music, or the like.

In one embodiment, visitor widgets 720-724 may be chronologicallyordered such that a most current visitor's view is displayed foremost.For example, in one embodiment, visitor widget 720 might be the currentvisitor's information. In one embodiment, where multiple visitors arecurrently viewing the display 700, the visitor widgets might be orderedalphabetically for the current visitors, and chronologically for recentvisitors not currently viewing display 700, or other page within thecontent services associated with display 700. However, the invention isnot so limited, and any of a variety of other ordering schemes may beemployed without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, forexample, in one embodiment, the visitor widgets may be customized toillustrate a current visitor as the foremost visitor widget 720. Forexample, if Tom is currently view display 700, his visitor widget mightbe foremost for his display, while if Eric is also currently viewing thedisplay, for his display of display 700, his visitor widget might beshown before Tom's. Thus, each visitor might see their visitor widgetforemost over others. Unlike traditional views of reader rolls, however,reader roll 702 may display visitor widgets for visitors that are notcurrently accessing and/or displaying content from the associatedcontent services for display 700. Moreover, in one embodiment, readerroll 702 might be aged, such that those that have not visited display700 for a period of time might not have their visitor widgets displayed.

Although only five visitor widgets are displayed within reader roll 702,it should be clear that the invention is not so limited. For example,virtually any number of visitor widgets may be displayed. For example,in one embodiment, reader roll 702 may include a scroll bar,next/previous icons, or the like, to enable a visitor to displayadditional visitor's information.

As illustrated in visitor widget 724, an on-widget data control 710 mayalso be displayed. In one embodiment, on-widget data control 710 mightnot be visible until a cursor, mouse pointer, or other user interfaceselection/entry device input is relocated within a defined region forthe widget 724. In one embodiment, the defined region includes apredefined number of pixels surrounding and including widget 724.Relocation within this defined region, including within the widget 724may include, but not be limited to mousing over the visitor widget (orthe predefined number of surrounding pixel region), selecting thevisitor widget, loading the social networking site, or the like. Thus,relocating the cursor, mouse pointer, or other user interfaceselection/entry input device substantially within the widget, includeswithin the defined number of pixels surrounding the widget. It should benoted, however, that in one embodiment, relocation by a visitor notassociated with the particular widget, would not result in displaying ofthe on-widget. That is, in one embodiment, one visitor would be unableto access the on-widget data control 710 for a widget not associatedwith them, thereby restricting one visitor from selectively displayinginformation within another visitor's widget.

When the on-widget data control 710 is made visible, the visitor orowner may select on it to modify a display of the visitor widget. Forexample, in one embodiment, the visitor or owner may select to have thevisitor widget not displayed for this content service website. Inanother embodiment, the visitor or owner may also be provided an optionto modify at least some of the visitor information, including but notlimited to that information currently displayed within the visitorwidget. In one embodiment, selection to modify the visitor informationmay result in performing a process such as described above inconjunction with FIGS. 5-6. In another embodiment, selecting to hide thevisitor view might be performed without the visitor or owner beingredirected to another webpage, network server, or the like. For example,a menu, floating window, pop-up, or the like, such as described below inconjunction with FIG. 8, might be displayed over display 700 for thevisitor or owner to make modifications.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of example visitor widgets capableof selectively displaying visitor information. One embodiment of visitorwidgets 800A-B may be provided to a visitor through a webpagedisplayable from such as content services 107-109, or the like, orFIG. 1. It should be noted that visitor widgets 800A-B are merely oneexample of a possible display of visitor information, and are notintended to limit the invention. Thus, other formats, structures, andthe like, may be employed to selectively display visitor information,without departing from the scope of the invention.

Visitor widgets 800A-B may be used to selectively display visitorinformation on a reader roll, on an associated visitor listing page,within a set of visitor comments, or the like. Visitor widget 800Aincludes avatar 802, text 804, and on-widget data control 806. Text 804may include, but is not limited to, a user name, a comment, userinformation, a link, or the like. Text 804 is optionally included andmay be blank. For example, if the visitor widget 800A is to be includedin an avatar list of visitors associated to a particular website,visitor widget 800A may not include text 804. In one embodiment,on-widget data control 806 is always visible within a visitor view. Inanother embodiment, on-widget data control 806 may not be visible undercertain conditions. In one embodiment, on-widget data control 806 maybecome visible when a visitor view is moused over, clicked on, selected,always visible, or the like.

When the on-widget data control 806 is made visible, the visitor orowner may select on it to modify a display of the visitor widget. Forexample, in one embodiment, the visitor may select to have their visitorwidget not displayed for this content service website. In anotherembodiment, the visitor may also be provided an option to modify,selectively display, or the like at least some of their visitorinformation, including but not limited to that information currentlydisplayed within their visitor widget. In another example, the owner mayselect to have a particular visitor widget not displayed for thiscontent service website. The owner may also be provided with an optionto modify, selectively display, or the like at least some of the visitorinformation, including but not limited to information currentlydisplayed within the visitor widget. An owner may also be given theoption not to display the visitor widget on any of the social networkingwebsites owned by the owner. In one embodiment, a visitor may onlymodify their own information. In another embodiment, an owner may modifythe information of any visitor information on the owner's site.

Visitor widget 800B includes avatar 812, alias 813, comment 814,on-widget data control 816, and display menu 818. Visitor widgets 800A-Bmay include more or less elements than shown in FIG. 8 without departingfrom the scope of the invention.

Selection to modify visitor information may result in performing aprocess such as described above in conjunction with FIGS. 5-6. Inanother embodiment, selecting to hide a visitor widget might beperformed without the visitor or owner being redirected to anotherwebpage, network server, or the like. For example, a display menu 818,floating window, or the like, might be displayed for the visitor orowner to make modifications. In one embodiment, display menu 818 mayinclude toggle options to hide/display visitor widget 800B, hide/displayavatar 812, hide/display comment 814, hide/display alias 813, or thelike. Display menu 818 is not limited to these options and other optionsmay be included. For example, display menu 818 may include an option tohide visitor widget 800B on all sites, modifying the information, or thelike. Further, display menu 818 is not limited to toggle options. Inanother embodiment, display menu 818 may include check boxes, radialbuttons, or the like.

The above specification, examples, and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

1. A system for managing a display of visitor information on a websiteover a network, comprising: a central registration server that isconfigured to perform actions, including: receiving visitor informationincluding at least one of an alias, an avatar, or a comment; and asocial networking server configured to display contents of the website,and to perform actions, including: requesting the visitor informationfrom the central registration server for at least one visitor;selectively displaying the visitor information within a widget, whereinthe widget comprises the selectively displayed visitor information and ahidden data control; and if a mouse pointer or screen cursor isrelocated substantially within the widget, selectively automaticallydisplaying the hidden data control, such that the displayed hidden datacontrol is used to change at least some of the display of the visitorinformation, wherein selectively automatically displaying the hiddendata control further comprises: determining if relocating the mousepointer or screen cursor is an action performed by the visitor, anothervisitor, or an owner of the social networking server website; if theaction is by the visitor for which the visitor information is about,enabling the visitor to modify at least some of the display of thevisitor information, the visitor information being provided directly tothe social networking server website by other than the visitor; if theaction is by another visitor, inhibiting displaying of the hidden datacontrol for the visitor's information such that the other visitor isinhibited from modifying the display of the visitor information; and ifthe action is by the owner, enabling the display of the hidden datacontrol such that the owner is enabled to modify the display of thevisitor's information or the other visitor's information.
 2. The systemof claim 1, wherein relocating the mouse pointer or screen cursor isperformed by at least one of the visitor, or an owner of the socialnetworking server website.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the socialnetworking server is further configured to provide the centralregistration server with information associated with the modification ofthe display of the visitor information.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein relocating within the widget includes at least one of selectingthe widget, clicking on the widget, or mousing over the widget.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein modifying the display of at least some of thevisitor information further comprises at least one of hiding all of thevisitor information, displaying all visitor information, hiding thealias, displaying the alias, hiding the avatar, displaying the avatar,hiding the comment, or displaying the comment.
 6. A computer readablestorage medium in a computer system having a user interface for managinga display of data on a webpage, the computer readable storage mediumcomprising: a widget displayed within the webpage wherein the widgetcomprises a display of a plurality of visitor information including atleast one of an alias, an avatar, or a comment; and a hidden datacontrol within the widget that is selectably hidden from display withinthe widget; and a set of computer instructions that are configured toperform actions, including: detecting when a user interface input signalis relocated substantially within the displayed widget; in response todetecting the relocation, selectively displaying the hidden datacontrol; receiving another user interface input signal; and selectivelyhiding at least some of the plurality of visitor information from beingdisplayed within the widget based on selectively displaying the hiddendata control and using the selectively displayed hidden data control andthe other user interface input signal, wherein selectively displayingthe hidden data control further comprises: determining a source of theuser interface input signal, wherein the source is one of a visitor forwhich the plurality of visitor information is about, another visitorunassociated with the plurality of visitor information, or an owner ofthe webpage; if the source is associated with the visitor, enabling thevisitor to modify the display of at least some of the visitorinformation using the displayed hidden data control, the visitorinformation being provided for display by a central registration server;if the source is associated with the other visitor, inhibitingdisplaying of the hidden data control for the visitor's information; andif the source is associated with the owner, enabling the display of thehidden data control such that the owner is enabled to modify the displayof the visitor's information or the other visitor's information.
 7. Thecomputer readable storage medium of claim 6, wherein the user interfaceinput signal is generated by at least one of a cursor, a mouse, or atouch screen pointer.
 8. The computer readable storage medium of claim6, wherein the set of computer instructions are configured to performactions, further comprising: sending to a central registration datastore information associated with the selective hiding of at least someof the plurality of visitor information.
 9. The computer readablestorage medium of claim 6, wherein the user interface input signal isprovided by at least one of selecting the widget, clicking on thewidget, mousing over the widget, or a touch screen input.
 10. Thecomputer readable storage medium of claim 6, wherein the displayed datacontrol is configured to display at least one of a pop-up, a pull-downmenu, a display menu, or a floating window, in which the other userinterface input signal may be employed to selectively hide or enable adisplay of at least some of the plurality of visitor information. 11.The computer readable storage medium of claim 6, wherein the userinterface input signal is relocated substantially within the displayedwidget further comprises relocating the user interface input signalwithin at least one of a defined region surrounding the widget or overthe displayed widget.
 12. A network device configured for managingdisplay of information on a webpage comprising: a memory component forstoring instructions; and a processing component for executinginstructions that enables actions, including: receiving a request forthe webpage; determining an identity of a requestor; requestinginformation from a central registration server for the requestor;selectively displaying the information within a widget, wherein thewidget comprises the selectively displayed information and a hidden datacontrol; and if a user interface selection input device is relocatedsubstantially within the widget, selectively automatically displayingthe hidden data control, such that the displayed hidden data control isused to modify at least some of the display of the information, whereinselectively automatically displaying the hidden data control furthercomprises: if the requestor is associated with the information,displaying the hidden data control and enabling the requestor to modifythe display of at least some of the information, the information beingprovided for display by the central registration server; and if therequestor is unassociated with the information, and not an owner of thewebpage, then maintaining the data control as hidden from display suchthat the requestor is unable to modify the display of at least some ofthe information.
 13. The network device of claim 12, wherein selectivelydisplaying the information within a widget further comprises displayingthe information within a reader roll.
 14. The network device of claim12, wherein the hidden data control is displayable as at least one of aselection ‘X’ icon, a pull-down menu, or a pop-up window.
 15. A methodfor managing a display of visitor information within a social networkingwebpage, the method comprising: receiving visitor information from avisitor; selectively displaying the visitor information within a widgeton the webpage, wherein the widget comprises the selectively displayedvisitor information and a hidden data control; and if a user interfaceinput signal is relocated substantially within the widget, selectivelydisplaying the hidden data control, such that the displayed hidden datacontrol is selectively used to modify at least some of the display ofthe visitor information, wherein selectively displaying the hidden datacontrol further comprises: displaying the hidden data control if theuser interface input signal is associated with the visitor or an ownerof the social networking webpage; and maintaining the data control ashidden if the user interface input signal is associated with anothervisitor unassociated with the visitor information.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the user interface input signal is provided by atleast one of selecting the widget, clicking on the widget, mousing overthe widget, or a touch screen input.